GATORS SHACK
5088 SEMINOLE PRATT WHITNEY RD, Loxahatchee FL 33470 · 561.847.4259
Last inspected Oct 23, 2025 · 11 visits since January 2024
APR 24
JUL 24
DEC 24
AUG 25
OCT 25
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 flies flying around in bar area. Operator killed.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2025090497 | Oct 22, 2025 | Apr 2, 2026 | $600 |
| 2--2025062843 | Aug 21, 2025 | Oct 6, 2025 | $800 |
| 2--2024047222 | Jul 16, 2024 | Sep 16, 2024 | $200 |
| 2--2021035729 | Jun 29, 2021 | Sep 23, 2021 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Oct 23, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in storage room ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, discussed with operator to replace or clean and sanitize.
Reach-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in freezer located In storage room interior shelves rusted and pitted, discussed other operator to repair or replace.
Oct 22, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found In kitchen approximately 6 live flying insects landing on dishwashing machine drain pipe and wall under dish machine. At server expo station approximately 3 live flying insects landing on sealed bottle of lime juice. At server expo station approximately 3 live flying insects landing on walls. Discussed with operator to kill all flying insects and clean and sanitize all areas.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in storage room ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, discussed with operator to replace or clean and sanitize.
Reach-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in freezer located In storage room interior shelves rusted and pitted, discussed other operator to repair or replace.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 50ppm) discussed with operator who changed bucket to Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 200ppm)
Aug 22, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. All shelves in walk in cooler rusted, discussed with operator to repair or replace.
Aug 22, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found In kitchen at server expo station approximately 48 flying insects landing on single service to go containers, open boxes of straws, sealed bottles of juice, and walls. In hallway between bathrooms and kitchen approximately 8 live flying insects on walls. In kitchen approximately 1 flying insect flying around flip top cooler. Discussed with operator who began to clean and sanitize all areas and kill flying insects.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. All shelves in walk in cooler rusted, discussed with operator to repair or replace.
Aug 21, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 10 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from customer dining room and without washing hands employee handled clean and sanitized spatula to turn burger on grill, discussed with operator employee washed hands.
Live, small flying insects found In kitchen at server expo station approximately 48 flying insects landing on single service to go containers, open boxes of straws, sealed bottles of juice, and walls. In hallway between bathrooms and kitchen approximately 8 live flying insects on walls. In kitchen approximately 1 flying insect flying around flip top cooler. Discussed with operator who began to clean and sanitize all areas and kill flying insects.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler raw hamburger meat stored above cooked wings, discussed with operator who corrected storage of products.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In steam table chili (130F - Hot Holding) per operator product prepared on stove and hot held in unit for approximately 3 hours, discussed with operator who reheated product to 165F+.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. In walk in cooler cooked wings (63F - Cooling) 3:05 since 2:30 to 63F at 3:25, at this current rate of cooling, product will not reach 41F within 6 hours, discussed with operator who removed lid to containers to allow adequate air flow cooling.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. In kitchen under three compartment sink multiple unlabeled spray bottles containing degreaser, discussed with operator who labeled bottles.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In kitchen oven hood vents soiled with accumulated dust/mold like substance, discussed with operator to clean and sanitize areas.
Food stored on floor. In walk in cooler multiple containers of food stored on floor, discussed with operator to remove containers from floor.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. All shelves in walk in cooler rusted, discussed with operator to repair or replace.
Dec 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee handle raw bacon then handled cooked wings; no hand wash. Employee washed hands.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 flies flying around in bar area. Operator killed.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. At low boy reach in cooler: Raw ground beef stored over raw shrimp. Employee stored properly.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Jul 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 1-#10 can of cheddar cheese sauce dented.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch clothes to pat tummy then put gloves on and handled fryer basket to prepare gator; no hand wash. Employee washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. At double door stainless steel freezer beside sauce storage rack in back storage : raw salmon in open box stored over box with soups. Employee stored properly.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At flip top cooler: diced tomatoes (49F - Cold Holding) As per employee, tomatoes were taken from walk in and stored at flip top over 4 hours. Not prepped or portioned today. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At flip top cooler: diced tomatoes (49F - Cold Holding) As per employee, tomatoes were taken from walk in and stored at flip top over 4 hours. Not prepped or portioned today. See stop sale.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. At walk in cooler: Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged raw swaii fish thawed in vacuum packaged bag. As per employee in charge,cCommercially processed reduced oxygen packaged raw swaii fish thawed 10 mins prior. Employee cut bags open.
Food stored on floor. Tray of carrots on floor of walk in cooler under shelf. Employee removed.
Apr 2, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 1, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. frog legs (50F - Cold Holding); gator (50F - Cold Holding) bottom reach in cooler across from cook line. Not prepped or portioned. Removed from walk in cooler. ham (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (57F - Cold Holding); lasagna (57F - Cold Holding); beef Pattie's (54F - Cold Holding); cheddar cheese (57F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding); American cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (57F - Cold Holding); provolone (57F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (54F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (54F - Cold Holding); swai (57F - Cold Holding); salmon (55F - Cold Holding); mahi (55F - Cold Holding); cooked ziti (55F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (55F - Cold Holding); corn beef (46F - Cold Holding); cooked linguine (50F) in walk in cooler. Food not prepped or portioned. In unit over four hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. frog legs (50F - Cold Holding); gator (50F - Cold Holding) bottom reach in cooler across from cook line. Not prepped or portioned. Removed from walk in cooler. ham (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (57F - Cold Holding); lasagna (57F - Cold Holding); beef Pattie's (54F - Cold Holding); cheddar cheese (57F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding); American cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (57F - Cold Holding); provolone (57F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (54F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (54F - Cold Holding); swai (57F - Cold Holding); salmon (55F - Cold Holding); mahi (55F - Cold Holding); cooked ziti (55F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (55F - Cold Holding); corn beef (46F - Cold Holding); cooked linguine (50F) in walk in cooler. Food not prepped or portioned. In unit over four hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. chili (98F - Hot Holding); aujus (98F - Hot Holding); tomato sauce (98F - Hot Holding) steam table end of make table. Chef states food Reheated less than four hour ago and placed in unit. Reheated To 165F.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle at bar
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frog legs and chicken in standing water at triple sink
Jan 10, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 8, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 3 46oz dented cans of pineapple juice.
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Operator touched glasses on his face and fixed clothes then touched pan of sauces; no hand wash. Operator washed hands.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 10 flying insects observed at bar area flying over hand wash sink and triple sink.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator renewed license during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At Flip top reach in cooler:; cheddar cheese (45F - Cold Holding) Not prepped or portioned today. As per operator held overnight. Item over-stacked. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At Flip top reach in cooler:; cheddar cheese (45F - Cold Holding) Not prepped or portioned today. As per operator held overnight. Item over-stacked. See stop sale.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink used for other purposes as evidenced by colander in sink. Operator removed colander.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quaternary ammonium test strips for three-compartment sinks and wiping cloths. Advised operator to provide.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at hand wash in bar area. Operator provided.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.